According to Marketwatch.com, there are a few explanations for these rising costs.

•Ethanol has driven corn prices up 70% in a year. Now more land is planted in corn, and soybeans, wheat, oats, and barley are all up from 5% to 35%. Corn is also a key ingredient in a long list of processed foods like breakfast cereal. •Higher distribution costs. It costs more to process food and it costs more to move it all to market. •World demand. Food exports have grown as have the living standards in China, India and other growing economies. •Most of what we eat is shipped great distances, and gas is really expensive.

The site also mentioned some good tips on what consumers can do to help themselves.

What to do

•Change your shopping patterns by buying bulk packaged items in warehouse clubs. Discount grocers can save a lot. •Find substitutes. Generic or store-branded products have become more credible substitutes for many brand name products. •Eat a little less. •Save your money and stop buying junk. You could take that money and use it to increase the small amounts people are given on food stamps.